
Find the perfect private tour
Select one of our local experts
Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do











Our locals will give you the best experiences that Kyoto has to offer
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Kyoto with locals








Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"David was a great guide! We enjoyed the walk through nikishi market and gion as we learned about the locals, customs and history of the area. It was a good time to see the area in a less crowded and more intimate fashion. Thanks so much!"
"Maha took us on a fantastic walking tour through parts of Kyoto that we didn’t know existed! We found her openness and insights as a person from another country living in Japan interesting. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Maha and would definitely recommend her to others!"
"I really enjoyed my afternoon with Guia. We saw beautiful places and browsed a flea market, which was all great, but most importantly, I learned SO much about Japanese life and customs, and had many, many questions answered. Guia was warm and approachable, made me feel completely at ease, and was a joy to be with. Thank you, Guia!"
"Naoki was amazing. We texted as we were coming by train and he made us a much more reasonable meeting place. We also had someone with us who needed breaks and ability to sit down a few times. He made this availabille to us. Naiki was extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. He helped us buy train tickets for our return trip. The tour was great, old school Japan."
You might be interested in these
Enjoy Kyoto like a local
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Discover experiences based on your interest
"Ryuki was an excellent food tour guide. We left stuffed and extremely happy having sampled all that Kyoto has to offer in terms of excellent food. He took us to hidden gems that we would never have found on our own and suggested unique and interesting dishes that we probably would never have thought of trying. As a native of Kyoto, we would highly recommend him to guide your culinary adventure in Kyoto. "
"What a brilliant way to spend 5 hours in Kyoto!! Tiro is an EXCELLENT tour guide. I Very knowledgeable, a great communicator, he answered all my questions so well and adapted to my requests. I highly recommend him. I am so glad we did part of the tour by car, I had no idea just how far apart some of the places I wanted to see were. I am particularly interested in history and culture and I loved it all. "
"A Wonderful Walk Around Kyoto with Tiro Our walk with Tiro was an unforgettable experience! He was funny, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive throughout the tour. We loved his storytelling style — full of charm and insight — which brought Kyoto’s history and traditions to life. Thanks to him, we learned many fascinating facts that helped us appreciate the city even more. Every stop was meaningful and beautifully explained. Absolutely magical and unique experience. Highly recommended!"
"Ryuki-san was a kind and considerate tour guide! I was a bit nervous about meeting a new person but he made our group feel at ease. I enjoyed learning lots of new things from him about Kyoto from popular local places to eat in the Gion district to tidbits about statues, temples, and shrines. Time went by before we knew it! Hope to visit again soon and explore even more of Kyoto! Highly recommend!"
"Lovely morning with Ted exploring and understanding about the Geisha culture and districts. Ted was very knowledgeable, easy to get on with and keen to make our tour and trip memorable. Going above and beyond bring suggestions and recommendations for our time in Kyoto Great that Ted took us to the quieter less touristy areas too. Good preparations for tour with good information and communication. Thanks Ted. "
"We wanted to experience the full glory of Japan, so me and two of my friends started out adventure in Osaka, where we met with Simone. Let me tell you this is an amazing person, the energy, the joy and the passion that he was talking about really blew our minds. He's different, he show you the true nature of a place just by telling you a little story and putting love in he's work. What we cherished about him it the respect and how open he was with us( when he saw one of us not talking he quickly jumped in and made conversation asking about how we ware felling and “if it was all good”. Have’ing a personal guide like him gives your journey life and passion, so in conclusion we strongly recommend him. "
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.